EAGLE BUTTE — The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe tribal flag has made its way to the National Football League. 

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, who is an honorary member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, will sport a CRST tribal flag sticker on his helmet. The Timber Lake High School graduate posted a picture of it on social media on Sept. 20 after it was approved by the NFL: “The NFL made it official today. Honored to represent!”

The tribal flag features the four Lakota bands (Minnicoujou, Itazipco, Siha Sapa, and Oohenumpa) that are located on the reservation. 

On the tribal flag, “Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe” is emblazoned around thunder clouds, a rainbow, eagle feathers, two pipes, two medicine wheels and all the colors of Lakota are visible. The red, yellow, black, and white represent the four major races. The blue is for heaven and the green for Mother Earth.

The gesture to display the CRST flag on an NFL helmet had tribal members buzzing on Friday, and its significance is not lost on their proud people. 

“I am pretty excited to see the flag on his helmet,” CRST District 5 Councilman Joe Brings Plenty Sr., said. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs and a lot of losses, too. It’s just a joy to be able to see something good like this.”

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is located in north central South Dakota, and the reservation consists of Dewey County and Ziebach County. Eagle Butte, the largest town, is home to the Tribal headquarters and Dewey County seat Timber Lake is 40 miles to the north. 

Kraft was raised on the reservation, which is the fourth-largest Indian reservation in the United States and has an estimated tribal enrollment of more than 16,000 people. 

“It’s pretty special and it’s an honor to be able to see a strong, young man coming from this area onto that size of a platform,” Brings Plenty Sr., said. 

Kraft was accepted as an honorary tribal member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, shortly after the 2023 NFL Draft. Brings Plenty Sr., was instrumental in the process and presented a resolution to the council. 

“It’s individuals that have basically lived their whole lives here,” Brings Plenty Sr., said. “In that case, same thing for Tucker, he’s born and raised here. It’s not rare, but it doesn't happen all the time. I think I may have seen one or two at the most, that we would make honorary tribal members.”

Shortly after Kraft was drafted by the Packers in 2023, CRST Chairman Ryman LeBeau stated: “The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe recognizes the outstanding achievements of Tucker Kraft. Tucker is the son of Tausha Kraft and the late Doug Kraft of Timber Lake, SD. The National Football League (NFL) and Green Bay Packers gained a hardworking, and exceptional young man who has many supporters behind him, including the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. You have exemplified that growing up in a small reservation town has no limitations and that you can achieve anything you set your mind and heart to do. You are a role model to many, especially to the youth. We commend you for your strong sense of family, community, and leadership both on and off the field. We look forward to watching you continue to excel, do good work, and to have an amazing career in the NFL.”

Timber Lake native Tucker Kraft is in his second season playing for the Green Bay Packers. (Evan Siegle / Green Bay Packers)

Kraft graduated from Timber Lake High School in 2019, where he starred in football, basketball and track and field for the Panthers. On the football field, the all-state running back rushed for 3,130 yards and 50 touchdowns in his career. 

Kraft was an FCS All-American tight end at South Dakota State University, where he helped the Jackrabbits win the 2022 national championship. He finished his collegiate career with 99 receptions for 1,218 yards and nine touchdowns. 

A 6-foot-5, 260-pound tight end, Kraft was selected in the third round (78th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Packers. Last season, Kraft appeared in all 17 games and made eight starts, finishing with 31 receptions for 355 yards and two receiving touchdowns. 

Kraft has logged four catches for 53 yards through the first two games this season. The Packers (1-1) will play at the Tennessee Titans (0-2) on Sept. 22.